30. Spain

Question 1

What are the 3 main climatic zones of Spain?

Answer 1

1. North-northwest coast: Moderate maritime, high rainfall
2. East coast: Warm Mediterranean
3. Mesata Central: Hot continental, very hot summers, very cold winters

Question 2

What is the most important climatic challenge in Spain? How do the grape growers overcome this difficulty?

Answer 2

• Drought (with the exception of Northwest region)

- Low-density, bush trained vineyards

Question 3

The name of Tempranillo is derived from which Spanish word? (E)

Answer 3

Temprano (early), because it ripens several weeks earlier

Question 4

What are the 3 main red grapes of Spain?

Answer 4

• Tempranillo
• Grenache (Garnacha Tinto)
• Mourvedre (Monastrell)

Question 5

What is the general style of Spanish white wines?

Answer 5

• Fresh and fruity
• Harvesting at night or early in the morning
• Fermenting in inert tanks

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of wines made from Verdejo

Answer 6

• High acid
• Light body
• Melon and peach flavour
• Similar to Sauvignon Blanc style with which it is often blended

Question 7

Why is Albarino resistant to fungal infection?

Answer 7

It is a thick-skinned grape

Question 8

Describe the characteristics of wines made from Albarino

Answer 8

• High acid
• Refreshing
• Citrus and stone fruit flavours

Question 9

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Spain?

Answer 9

Airen (most used in production of Brandy de Jeres)

Question 10

Name the six geographical regions in Spain based on climate and grape varieties

Answer 10

• Upper Ebro: Rioja, Navarra, Carinena and Calatayud
• Catalunya: Priorat, Penedes
• Duero Valley: Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda
• North West: Rias Baixas, Bierzo
• Levante: Valencia, Jumilla and Yecla
• Castilla-La Mancha: La Mancha, Valdepenas

Question 11

Name the subregions of Rioja

Answer 11

• Rioja Alta
• Rioja Alavesa
• Rioja Baja

Question 12

The vineyards of Rioja Alta and Alavesa are planted at altitudes of:

Answer 12

500-800 m

Question 13

Rioja is shielded from the Atlantic weather by which mountains?

Answer 13

Cantabrian

Question 14

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Rioja?

Answer 14

Tempranillo

Question 15

Which subregions of Rioja are more ideal to produce Tempranillo?

Answer 15

Cooler western subregions (Alta and Alavesa)

Question 16

What does Tempranillo add to the Rioja blends?

Answer 16

• Red fruit flavours

- Medium level of tannins

Question 17

Which subregions of Rioja are more ideal to produce Grenache?

Answer 17

Rioja Baja

Question 18

What does Grenache add to the Rioja blends?

Answer 18

• Alcohol

- Body

Question 19

How are the Rioja wines that are made for early drinking produced? Describe the tasting notes.

Answer 19

• Sometimes by using semicarbonic maceration

- Vibrant red fruit flavours, low levels of smooth tannin

Question 20

Traditionally, what kind of oak is used in Rioja?

Answer 20

• American oak

Question 21

How many grape varieties can be used for white Rioja? Name the most widely planted variety

Answer 21

• Eight white varieties

- Viura

Question 22

What are the differences between traditional and modern white Riojas?

Answer 22

• Traditional white Rioja: Wines aged for extended periods so deliberately oxidized. They have deep golden color and nutty flavours.
• Modern white Rioja: Minimal contact with oxygen to preserve maximum amount of fruit

Question 23

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Navarra?

Answer 23

Tempranillo

Question 24

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Carinena and Calatayud?

Answer 24

Grenache (NOT Carignan!)

Question 25

What are the three distinct climatic zones in Penedes?

Answer 25

- Coastal plain: Mediterranean (hot) - Inland in the valleys: Slightly cooler but still warm - Further into the hills (above 800 m): Moderate climate

Question 26

What is the most widely planted grape varieties in Penedes?

Answer 26

Grape varieties used for Cava production (Paralleda, Macabeo, Xarel-lo)

Question 27

What is the soil in Priorat named? What are its properties?

Answer 27

- Llicorella - Consists of layers of red slate and small particles of mica - It helps ripening by reflecting and conserving heat - Able to retain sufficient water throughout growing season

Question 28

Which grapes are used to produce red Priorat?

Answer 28

- Garnacha - Carinena - Cabernet Sauvignon (rare)

Question 29

Why are Priorat wines expensive?

Answer 29

- Because of aged vines and low fertility of the soil, the yields are low - Because of bush vines and steep slopes, mechanization is impossible

Question 30

Tasting notes for red Priorat

Answer 30

- Deeply colored - High tannins - Medium to high alcohol - Concentrated black fruit aromas - Toasty aromas from new French oak

Question 31

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?

Answer 31

- Continental - High altitude (some over 850 m) - Harsh winters, hot summers, high daily temperature variation

Question 32

Which subregion of Duero Valley focuses on white wine production? Name the dominant grape

Answer 32

- Rueda | - Verdejo

Question 33

In Rueda, Verdejo - Sauvignon Blanc blends must have at least ...% of Verdejo

Answer 33

50 %

Question 34

How are the grape growers overcome mildew and rot problems which can occur in Rias Baixas due to humid conditions?

Answer 34

Vines are trained on pergolas to enhance the air circulation

Question 35

Name the region where Mencia is the key grape variety?

Answer 35

Bierzo

Question 36

Tasting notes of Mencia from Bierzo

Answer 36

- Medium to high acidity - Fresh fruit - A hint of herbaceousness

Question 37

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Levante

Answer 37

Monastrell

Question 38

What is the largest DO in Spain? What is the dominant grape?

Answer 38

- La Mancha | - Airen

Question 39

What are the main white grapes of Spain?

Answer 39

- Verdejo - Albarino - Airen - Viura (Macabeo in Catalunya)